check engine LEXUS RX350 2016 Owner's Manual

1954-1. Before driving
4
Driving
RX350_U_OM48E90U WA R N I N G
Observe the following precautions.
Failure to do so may result in death or serious injury. ■
When starting the vehicle
Always keep your foot on the brake pedal while stopped engine running. This prevents
the vehicle from creeping. ■
When driving the vehicle ●
Do not drive if you are unfamiliar with the location of the brake and accelerator ped-
als to avoid depressing the wrong pedal.
• Accidentally depressing th e accelerator pedal instead of the brake pedal will
result in sudden acceleration that may lead to an accident.
• When backing up, you may twist your body around, leading to difficulty in operat-
ing the pedals. Make sure to operate the pedals properly.
• Make sure to keep a correct driving posture even when moving the vehicle only
slightly. This allows you to depress th e brake and accelerator pedals properly.
• Depress the brake pedal using your righ t foot. Depressing the brake pedal using
your left foot may delay response in an emergency, resulting in an accident. ●
Do not drive the vehicle over or stop the vehicle near flammable materials.
The exhaust system and exhaust gases can be extremely hot. These hot parts may
cause a fire if there is any flammable material nearby. ●
During normal driving, do not turn off the engine. Turning the engine off while driving
will not cause loss of steering or braking co ntrol, but the power assist to these systems
will be lost. This will make it more difficul t to steer and brake, so you should pull over
and stop the vehicle as soon as it is safe to do so.
However, in the event of an emergency, such as if it becomes impossible to stop the
vehicle in the normal way:  P. 6 2 5●
Use engine braking (downshift) to maintain a safe speed when driving down a steep
hill.
Using the brakes continuously may cause th e brakes to overheat and lose effective-
ness. (  P. 2 2 9 )●
Do not adjust the positions of the steering wh eel, the seat, or the inside or outside rear
view mirrors while driving.
Doing so may result in a loss of vehicle control. ●
Always check that all passengers’ arms, heads or other parts of their body are not
outside the vehicle. ●
AWD models: Do not drive the vehicle off-road.
This is not an AWD vehicle designed for of f-road driving. Proceed with all due cau-
tion if it becomes unavoidable to drive off-road. ●
Do not drive across a river or through other bodies of water.
This may cause electric/electronic components to short circuit, damage the engine or
cause other serious damage to the vehicle. ●
Do not drive in excess of the speed limit. Ev en if the legal speed lim it permits it, do not
drive over 85 mph (140 km/h) unless your vehicle has high-speed capability tires.
Driving over 85 mph (140 km/h) may result in tire failure, loss of control and possible
injury. Be sure to consult a tire dealer to determine whether the tires on your vehicle
are high-speed capability tires or not before driving at such speeds.

196 4-1. Before driving
RX350_U_OM48E90U WA R N I N G
Observe the following precautions.
Failure to do so may result in death or serious injury. ■
When driving on slippery road surfaces ●
Sudden braking, acceleration and steering may cause tire slippage and reduce your
ability to control the vehicle. ●
Sudden acceleration, engine braking due to shifting, or changes in engine speed
could cause the vehicle to skid. ●
After driving through a puddle , lightly depress the brake pe dal to make sure that the
brakes are functioning properly. Wet brake pads may prevent the brakes from func-
tioning properly. If the brakes on only on e side are wet and not functioning properly,
steering control may be affected. ■
When shifting the shift lever ●
Do not let the vehicle roll backward while the shift lever is in a driving position, or roll
forward while the shift lever is in R.
Doing so may cause the engine to stall or lead to poor brake and steering perfor-
mance, resulting in an acciden t or damage to the vehicle.●
Do not shift the shift lever to P while the vehicle is moving.
Doing so can damage the transmission and may result in a loss of vehicle control.●
Do not shift the shift lever to R wh ile the vehicle is moving forward.
Doing so can damage the transmission and may result in a loss of vehicle control.●
Do not shift the shift lever to a driving position while the vehicle is moving backward.
Doing so can damage the transmission and may result in a loss of vehicle control.●
Shifting the shift lever to N while the ve hicle is moving will disengage the engine.
Engine braking is not available when N is selected. ●
Be careful not to shift the shift lever with the accelerator pedal depressed.
Shifting the shift lever to any position other than P or N may lead to unexpected rapid
acceleration of the vehicle that may cause an accident and result in death or serious
injury. ■
If you hear a squealing or scraping noise (brake pad wear limit indicators)
Have the brake pads checked and replaced by your Lexus dealer as soon as possible.
Rotor damage may result if the pads are not replaced when needed.
It is dangerous to drive the vehicle when the wear limits of the brake pads and/or those
of the brake discs are exceeded.

1994-1. Before driving
4
Driving
RX350_U_OM48E90U NOTICE ■
When driving the vehicle ●
Do not depress the accelerator and brake peda ls at the same time during driving, as
this may restrain driving torque. ●
Do not use the accelerator pedal or depress the accelerator and brake pedals at the
same time to hold the vehicle on a hill. ■
When parking the vehicle
Always shift the shift lever to P, set the parking brake. Failure to do so may cause the
vehicle to move or the vehicle may accelerate suddenly if the acce lerator pedal is acci-
dentally depressed. ■
Avoiding damage to vehicle parts ●
Do not turn the steering wheel fully in either direction and hold it there for an
extended period of time.
Doing so may damage the power steering motor. ●
When driving over bumps in the road, drive as slowly as possible to avoid damaging
the wheels, underside of the vehicle, etc. ■
If you get a flat tire while driving
A flat or damaged tire may cause the follo wing situations. Hold the steering wheel
firmly and gradually depress the brak e pedal to slow down the vehicle.●
It may be difficult to control your vehicle. ●
The vehicle will make abnormal sounds or vibrations. ●
The vehicle will lean abnormally.
Information on what to do in case of a flat tire (  P. 646)■
When encountering flooded roads
Do not drive on a road that has flooded after heavy rain, etc. Doing so may cause the
following serious damage to the vehicle: ●
Engine stalling ●
Short in electrical components ●
Engine damage caused by water immersion
In the event that you drive on a flooded road and the vehicle is flooded, be sure to have
your Lexus dealer check the following: ●
Brake function ●
Changes in quantity and quality of oil and fl uid used for the engine, transaxle, transfer
(AWD models), rear differential (AWD models), etc. ●
Lubricant condition for the propeller shaft (AWD models), bearings and suspension
joints (where possible), and the fu nction of all joints, bearings, etc.

2154-1. Before driving
4
Driving
RX350_U_OM48E90U ■
Break-in schedule
If your vehicle is new or equipped with any new power train components (such as an
engine, transaxle, transfer (AWD models), rear differential (AWD models) or wheel
bearing), Lexus recommends that you do not tow a trailer until the vehicle has been
driven for over 500 miles (800 km).
After the vehicle has been driven for over 500 miles (800 km), you can start towing.
However, for the next 500 miles (800 km), drive the vehicle at a speed of less than
50 mph (80 km/h) when towing a trailer, and avoid full throttle acceleration.■
Maintenance ●
If you tow a trailer, your vehicle will requir e more frequent maintenance due to the addi-
tional load. (See “Warranty and Services Guide”, “Owner’s Manual Supplement” or
“Scheduled Maintenance”.) ●
Retighten the fixing bolts of the towing ba ll and bracket after approximately 600 miles
(1000 km) of trailer towing. ■
If trailer sway occurs
One or more factors (crosswinds, passing vehicles, rough roads, etc.) can adversely
affect handling of your vehicle and trailer, causing instability.●
If trailer swaying occurs:
• Firmly grip the steering wheel. Steer straight ahead.
Do not try to control trailer sway ing by turning the steering wheel.
• Begin releasing the accelerator pedal i mmediately but very gradually to reduce
speed.
Do not increase speed. Do not apply vehicle brakes.
If you make no extreme correction with the steering or brakes, your vehicle and trailer
should stabilize. (if enabled, Trailer Sway Cont rol can also help to stabilize the vehicle and
trailer.) ●
After the trailer sw aying has stopped:
• Stop in a safe place. Get all occupants out of the vehicle.
• Check the tires of the vehicle and the trailer.
• Check the load in the trailer.
Make sure the load has not shifted.
Make sure the tongue weight is appropriate, if possible.
• Check the load in the vehicle.
Make sure the vehicle is not overloaded after occupants get in.
If you cannot find any problems, the speed at which trailer swaying occurred is beyond
the limit of your particular vehicle-trailer combination.
Drive at a lower speed to prevent instability. Remember that swaying of the towing vehi-
cle-trailer increases as speed increases.

220
RX350_U_OM48E90U 4-2. Driving procedures
Check that the parking brake is set.
Check that the shift lever is in P.
Firmly depress the brake pedal. and a message will be displayed on the multi-information display.
If it is not displayed, the engine cannot be started.
Press the engine switch. The engine will crank until it starts or for
up to 30 seconds, whichever is less.
Continue depressing the brake pedal
until the engine is completely started.
The engine can be started from any
engine switch mode.
Stop the vehicle completely.
Shift the shift lever to P.
Set the parking brake. (  P. 2 3 5 )If the parking brake is in automatic mode, the parking brake is set automatically when
shifting the shift lever to P. ( 
P. 2 3 5 )
Press the engine switch.
Release the brake pedal and check that the display on the meters is off.Engine (ignition) switch Performing the following op erations when carrying the electronic key on your
person starts the engine or changes engine switch modes.
Starting the engine 1
2
3
4
Stopping the engine 1
2
3
4
5

2214-2. Driving procedures
4
Driving
RX350_U_OM48E90U Modes can be changed by pressing the engine switch with brake pedal released.
(The mode changes each time the switch is pressed.)
Off
* The emergency flashers can be used.
ACCESSORY mode Some electrical components such as the
audio system can be used.
“ACCESSORY” will be displayed on the
meters.
IGNITION ON mode All electrical components can be used.
“IGNITION ON” will be displayed on
the meters.
* : If the shift lever is in a position other than
P when turning off the engine, the
engine switch will be turned to ACCES-
SORY mode, not to off.
If the engine is stopped with the shift le ver in a position other than P, the engine
switch will not be turned off but inst ead be turned to ACCESSORY mode. Per-
form the following procedure to turn the switch off:
Check that the parking brake is set.
Shift the shift lever to P.
Check that “Turn Off Vehicle” is displayed on the multi-information display
and then press the engine switch once.
Check that “Turn Off Vehicle” on the multi-information display is off.Changing engine switch modes 1
2
3
When stopping the engine with the shift lever in a position other than P1
2
3
4

222 4-2. Driving procedures
RX350_U_OM48E90U ■
Auto power off function
If the vehicle is left in ACCESSORY mode for more than 20 minutes or IGNITION ON
mode (the engine is not running) for more than an hour with the shift lever in P, the engine
switch will automatically turn off. However, this function cannot en tirely prevent battery
discharge. Do not leave the vehicle with the engine switch in ACCESSORY or IGNI-
TION ON mode for long periods of ti me when the engine is not running.■
Electronic key battery depletion
 P. 1 2 2 ■
Conditions affe cting operation
 P. 1 4 8 ■
Note for the entry function
 P. 1 4 9 ■
If the engine does not start ●
The engine immobilizer system may not have been deactivated. (  P. 74 )
Contact your Lexus dealer. ●
Check that the shift lever is securely set in P. The engine may not start if the shift lever is
displaced out of P. “To Start Vehicle, Put Shift Lever into P” will be displayed on the
multi-information display. ■
Steering lock
After turning the engine switch off and opening and closing the doors, the steering wheel
will be locked due to the stee ring lock function. Operating the engine switch again auto-
matically cancels the steering lock. ■
When the steering lock cannot be released
■
Steering lock motor overheating prevention
To prevent the steering lock motor from over heating, operation of the motor may be sus-
pended if the engine is turned on and off repeat edly in a short period of time. In this case,
refrain from operating the engine switch. After about 10 seconds, the steering lock
motor will resume functioning. ■
When “Access System with Elec. Key Malfunction See Owner’s Manual” is displayed
on the multi-information display
The system may be malfunctioning. Have the vehicle inspected by your Lexus dealer
immediately.“Steering Wheel Lock Press Engine Switch
while Turning Wheel” will be displayed on the
multi-information display.
Check that the shift lever is in P. Press the
engine switch while turning the steering wheel
left and right.

224 4-2. Driving procedures
RX350_U_OM48E90U NOTICE ■
To prevent battery discharge ●
Do not leave the engine switch in AC CESSORY or IGNITION ON mode for long
periods of time without the engine running. ●
If “ACCESSORY” or “IGNITION ON” is disp layed on the meters while the engine is
not running, the engine switch is not off. Exit the vehicle after turning the engine
switch off. ●
Do not stop the engine when the shift lever is in a position other than P. If the engine is
stopped in another shift lever position, the engine switch will not be turned off but
instead be turned to ACCESSORY mode. If the vehicle is left in ACCESSORY
mode, battery discharge may occur. ■
When starting the engine ●
Do not race a cold engine. ●
If the engine becomes difficult to start or stalls frequently, have your vehicle checked
by your Lexus dealer immediately. ■
Symptoms indicating a malfun ction with the engine switch
If the engine switch seems to be operating somewhat differently than usual, such as the
switch sticking slightly, there may be a malf unction. Contact your Lexus dealer immedi-
ately.

234 4-2. Driving procedures
RX350_U_OM48E90U Right turn
Lane change to the right (move the
lever partway and release it) The right hand signals will flash 3 times.
Lane change to the left (move the
lever partway and release it) The left hand signals will flash 3 times.
Left turn
■
Turn signals can be operated when
The engine switch is in IGNITION ON mode. ■
If the indicator flashes faster than usual
Check that a light bulb in the front or rear turn signal lights has not burned out. ■
If the turn signals stop flashing befo re a lane change has been performed
Operate the lever again. ■
Customization
Some functions can be customized. (  P. 6 9 9 )Turn signal lever Operating instructions 1
2
3
4

252 4-3. Operating the lights and wipers
RX350_U_OM48E90U Washer/wiper dual operation The wipers will automatically operate a
couple of times after the washer squirts.
Vehicles with headlight cleaners:
When the engine switch is in IGNI-
TION ON mode and the headlights are
on, if the lever is pulled, the headlight
cleaners will operate once. After this,
the headlight cleaners will operate
every 5th time the lever is pulled. ■
The windshield wipers and washer can be operated when
The engine switch is in IGNITION ON mode. ■
Dripping prevention wiper sweep (vehicle s with rain-sensing windshield wipers)
After washing and wiping operation several times, the wipers operate one more time
after a short delay to prevent dripping. Howeve r, this function will not operate while driv-
ing. ■
Effects of vehicle speed on wiper operation
Vehicle speed affects the Intermittent wiper interval. ■
Raindrop sensor (vehicles with rain-sensing windshield wipers)
●
If the wiper switch is turned to the “AUTO” position while the engine switch is in IGNI-
TION ON mode, the wipers will operate once to show that AUTO mode is activated.●
When the sensor sens itivity ring is turned toward hi gh while in “AUTO” position, the
wipers will operate once to indicate th at the sensor sensit ivity is enhanced.●
If the temperature of the raindrop sensor is 194  F (90  C) or higher, or 5  F (-15  C) or
lower, automatic operation may not occur. In this case, operate the wipers in any mode
other than AUTO mode. ■
If no windshield washer fluid sprays
Check that the washer nozzles are not blocked, if there is washer fluid in the washer fluid
tank. 8
●
The raindrop sensor judges the amount of
raindrops.
An optical sensor is ad opted. It may not oper-
ate properly when sunlight from the rising or
setting of the sun intermittently strikes the
windshield, or if bugs, etc. are present on the
windshield.